My koi and goldfish love eating trout chow. Their growth rate is amazing. Is it ok to feed exclusively?
No, trout chow contains fat levels far in excess of what koi and goldfish require. In fact, the level is so high that fatty deposits will occur and seriously affect the health of your fish. It is normal to see accelerated growth rates when feeding trout chow, but it is not intended for koi or goldfish and will cause long-term problems for both the fish and pond itself.
I purchased goldfish yesterday and tried to feed them today. They are not eating. What's wrong?
Although goldfish and koi are aggressive feeders, new specimens may take a couple of days to adapt. If the temperature is cooler (high 40º to mid 50º F range), it may slow down metabolism and reduce appetite. Also, different brands and types of food may differ in texture and odor. This could affect initial acceptance. Keep the first feedings small to help motivate any reluctant specimens to feed the way they will eventually.
I reviewed the ingredients on the label of Laguna Premium Food Sticks, which my fish adore. What are fermentation products?
They are select enzymes that have been added to the Laguna Premium Food line to ensure optimum digestion. This is important not only for the health and good condition of koi and goldfish, but is also beneficial to water quality, as there is less waste released by the pond fish.
The store where I buy my pond fish food has bulk bins and offers brand names at reduced prices. Should I take advantage of these tempting prices?
It is recommended to purchase all fish food in sealed containers. The nutritional value and shelf life of fish food exposed to light and humidity is severely reduced.
I was recently told that floating fish foods can cause my fish to float at the surface and/or lose their balance. Is this true?
The swimbladder inside fish is critical for maintaining balance and proper buoyancy. The exact causes of swimbladder problems are not well understood. Factors such as sudden temperature changes or swimbladder infections have been noted as possible causes. One fact that is certain is that short-bodied forms of goldfish are prone due to their body structure. Comets, shubunkins and koi are not.
My koi are extremely colorful and healthy thanks to Laguna Fish Food. Does Laguna have additional benefits?
Yes, there are additional benefits to feeding quality foods, like Laguna Premium products. The Spirulina and Wheat Germ formulation not only enhances color but helps provide strong immune system support. This will help prevent problems that can result due to temperature changes and other stress-related factors.
Another significant benefit is the special protein found in Spirulina. It is highly beneficial to koi and contributes to lustrous skin and scale condition.
Laguna’s Premium Color Enhancing formulation contains a very special carotenoid called astaxanthin, which accentuates color and provides powerful performance as an antioxidant.
Are there times when fish should be fed more or less frequently?
Yes, there are circumstances that govern how much and how often fish should be fed. In the spring and fall when temperatures vary from 42 to 55 degrees F, be sure to feed sparingly, not more than once a day. When fish are first introduced, feed sparingly. During the summer months, feeding frequency, especially for koi, can increase to two to four times daily.
How much fish food should I buy?
Purchase the amount of food your fish will consume in approximately 3 to 4 months. This will ensure availability of the stated vitamin content and superior freshness and palatability.
Do all Laguna foods contain stabilized Vitamin C?
Absolutely. They also contain a wide range of multi-vitamins to fulfill the requirements of pond fish. This ensures proper immune system support and is essential for overall fish health.
My koi and goldfish seem hungry all the time. Should I feed them till they stop eating?
No, if you were to feed them till they could eat no more they would be overfed. It is normal that healthy koi and goldfish seem hungry. Simply feed them the quantity they consume within two minutes.
My fish food seems to clump together a month or two after I purchase it. Why?
Using wet hands to take food from the container is the most common cause. Pour the food in the lid of the fish food container, instead of using your hands. This method also minimizes humidity buildup and the spread of contaminants.
I currently feed a hard pellet food to my koi and goldfish.The smaller specimens have a hard time obtaining food, which results in having to overfeed the adults. What do you recommend?
It is preferable to feed floating stick food, such as Laguna Premium Floating Foods Sticks, especially when there is a mixture of different sized fish. This will allow smaller specimens to bite off pieces they can handle as opposed to trying to swallow hard pellets that are too large.
My neighbor has a garden pond stocked with goldfish and koi and feeds them only once or twice a week. Is this enough?
It could be enough for fish to survive. It is recommended to feed at least once a day to reduce stress-related diseases, encourage healthy growth rates and develop superior condition. Temperature is really the most important variable in determining how often and how much to feed. Warmer temperatures necessitate at least one additional feeding and the higher activity level of fish will mean they will consume more in the same period of time.
Is it sufficient to feed only one formulation of Laguna Premium Koi & Goldfish Food Sticks?
Yes. However, variety is always beneficial. It is recommended to either alternate with Spirulina and Wheat Germ or Color Enhancing Formulations. These two products contain additional ingredients that will support immune systems and improved fish condition, especially important in helping fish cope with common environmental stresses.
My koi constantly consume the floating roots of my pond plants. Does this mean they are hungry, should I feed more?
No, this is a normal activity for koi. An ideal way to protect the roots of your floating plants is by using Laguna Planting Baskets. These convenient baskets will float when not filled with planting media. They are ideal protective cages for floating plants.
Spirulina is an excellent supplement for human beings. Is it effective for fish too?
Yes, Spirulina is an excellent source of protein that supports healthy fins and skin in fish. It is also a source of special proteins and fatty acids that enhance the function of important internal organs. Commercial fish farmers, in many parts of the world, use Spirulina because of observed advantages in growth rates, survival rates, appearance and condition of fish.
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